The Royals outrighted Alex Lange, Mason Black, Connor Seabold, Alec Marsh and Easton McGee to the minors. Unlike the others, Black can't elect free agency, so KC can keep him in a non-roster role and try to get him back on track. π§
The Royals outrighted Alex Lange, Mason Black, Connor Seabold, Alec Marsh and Easton McGee to the minors. Unlike the others, Black can't elect free agency, so KC can keep him in a non-roster role and try to get him back on track. π§
Royals could consider moving Vinnie Pasquantino this offseason to open first base for Jac Caglianone, whose -9 Outs Above Average was worst among right fielders with 700+ innings. Speculative, but his .834 OPS and strong arm make the idea compelling. π
Royals cleared five righties off the 40-man, outrighting Alex Lange, Mason Black, Connor Seabold, Alec Marsh and Easton McGee to Omaha after no one claimed them. Seabold and McGee chose free agency; Lange and Marsh could follow. π§Ή
Nate Pearson's Royals season ran hot, then cold: a 0.43 ERA over his first 20 outings, then a 21.60 ERA across his last six. He's arbitration-eligible once more, and the Royals must decide whether to tender him. π₯βοΈ
Royals takeaways from the World Series-bound Rays and Brewers: lean on real starting pitching. Teams that leaned on relievers, like the Guardians and White Sox, wore out their bullpens, and the writer argues low-spending K.C. should copy the finalists. π
Royals fans get a Crown Jewels offseason primer: the headline points to a Vinnie trade, a need for more whiffs, and a World Series preview. A looming Dec. 1 lockout could compress a busy winter. π§
Royals could pursue Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan this offseason, though it's speculation: Kwan is only rumored to be available, and the price would be high. A multi-time Gold Glove winner who can play left or center, he could also lead off ahead of Bobby Witt Jr. π
The Royals aren't in the World Series, so they're already on offseason duty. GM J.J. Picollo calls the bullpen the top need, then starting depth. Legends Global was also named owner's representative for the new downtown ballpark. Former Royals 1B Todd Benzinger passed away Wednesday.
Carter Jensen turned a rough start (.657 OPS on June 6) into a .790 OPS finish, 27 homers (a Royals rookie record) and a September AL Player of the Month nod. Catcher looks like a long-term solved problem. π
Zion Rose, the No. 6 overall pick, is blooming in the Arizona Fall League. He's hitting .304/.500/.522 through six games for Surprise, including a 103+ mph grand slam. The Royals may have another quick-rising bat. πΌ
Jac Caglianone went from .157 in 2025 to leading the Royals in AVG (.289), SLG (.494) and OPS (.834) in 2026, adding 23 homers and 75 RBIs. His ability to play right field and first base could give Kansas City flexibility heading into 2027. π
The Royals' 2026 bullpen posted an ERA over 5.00 with 26 blown saves, and it sank the season. Closer Carlos EstΓ©vez melted down for six earned runs on March 28 in his only appearance, then was lost for the year. Not a great opening act. π₯
Prospect Justin Lamkin showed resilience in the Arizona Fall League, recovering from a rough debut to allow just one run in four innings against Glendale. Meanwhile, the Royals face a decision on Michael Massey's arbitration, with his defense and hitting making a strong case.
The Royals' 2026 season was a rollercoaster for the starting rotation, plagued by injuries yet showing flashes of brilliance with multiple complete game shutouts. Despite these efforts, injuries led to a disappointing 69-93 record. β³
Jac Caglianone shined at the plate in 2026, leading the Royals with a .289 average and 23 homers. As Kansas City looks to 2027, his ability to play both right field and first base offers valuable lineup flexibility. βΎ
Bobby Witt Jr. maintains his edge over Reds' Elly De La Cruz, thanks to superior strike zone command. Witt's 17.3% strikeout rate in 2026 highlights his disciplined approach, giving Royals fans plenty to cheer about as he remains a top shortstop. βΎ
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Royals' Double-A affiliate, struggled this season, finishing 57-79. Outfielder Luke Pelzer shone with a .337 average post-promotion, while Spencer Nivens improved offensively. Pitchers Drew Beam and Justin Lamkin showed potential.
Jonathan India's 2026 Royals season was cut short after just 17 games due to a shoulder injury. Acquired in a trade for Brady Singer, his tenure has been marred by struggles and injuries, raising questions about his future in Kansas City. π€
J.J. Picollo faces pressure to bolster the Royals' rotation this offseason after last year's bargain-hunting backfired. With the infield set, focus shifts to pitching and outfield upgrades. Nate Pearson's mixed results highlight bullpen challenges. β³
The Kansas City Royals might eye Yankees pitcher Luis Gil as a low-risk, high-reward option to bolster their pitching staff. Gil, once a top rookie, could be non-tendered by New York, offering KC a chance to rejuvenate their rotation.